Fr. Linus McManaman (1919-1985)

Father Linus died after cancer-related surgery during a Raven football game!  As his death notice says, “He was a popular professor of philosophy and friend and confidant of many persons.”

Father Linus entered the community from Spaulding, Neb., making first vows July 11, 1941.  He did his philosophy and theology at St. Benedict’s College and was ordained June 2, 1945.  He did graduate study at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, earning a doctorate in 1953.  Father Linus taught at Maur Hill for two years, then an instructor in philosophy at St. Benedict’s College and returned there in 1953.  He was dean of studies at St. Benedict’s, dean of studies and professor at Assumption College, Richardton, N. Dak., and director of the graduate theology program at St. Mary’s College, Moraga, Calf.

Returning to education in Atchison, Father Linus was fulltime at Benedictine College as coordinator of government and foundation relations and, later, fulltime professor of philosophy.  He assisted for seven years as weekend pastor at St. Matthew’s Parish, Topeka, Kan.

Father Linus faced the challenge of addiction to alcohol in his life and spent his last 15 years giving of himself to the works of Alcoholics Anonymous for the “still suffering alcoholic.”  He learned to keep what became his greatest gift by “giving it all away.”  His memory lives on in the hearts and minds of hundreds of alcoholics.  Father Linus learned to move from his head into his heart.

Father Linus McManaman passed away November 23, 1985.